We know that there are unaccounted-for Scud and other ballistic missiles in Iraq. And part of the problem is that, since 1998, there has been no way to even get minimal information about those programs except through intelligence means.

The quote by Condoleezza Rice addresses concerns about the unaccounted-for stockpiles of Scud and other ballistic missiles in Iraq. Rice points out that since 1998, there has been a significant gap in acquiring reliable information about Iraq’s missile programs, and the only way to gather minimal details has been through intelligence means. This highlights the difficulty in verifying the status of weapons programs and the limitations imposed by the lack of direct access or cooperation from Iraq during that period.

Rice, who served as National Security Advisor and later Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, is emphasizing the challenges faced by the U.S. government in trying to monitor Iraq’s weapons programs. The quote underscores the reliance on intelligence to fill the information void, as there were no inspections or formal channels available to verify the extent of Iraq's stockpiles of missiles and other weapons of mass destruction. This situation played a key role in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where the presence of such weapons was one of the justifications for military intervention.

The reference to the Scud missiles is significant because these weapons, which were used by Iraq during the Gulf War, were seen as a major threat due to their potential use in launching attacks on neighboring countries or U.S. forces. The lack of clear information about the status of these missiles fueled suspicions and concerns, leading to increased efforts to gather intelligence. Rice’s quote reveals the difficulty of dealing with nations that are not transparent and are potentially hiding critical military capabilities.

Ultimately, Rice’s words highlight the complexities of intelligence gathering in situations where access to critical information is restricted. They underscore the reliance on covert means to uncover threats and the challenges in addressing national security concerns when official channels of communication are not available or trustworthy. The quote also reflects the tense political and military climate in the years leading up to the Iraq War, where uncertainties about Iraq’s weaponry played a central role in the debate.